Countries from the Indian Ocean region need to come together to confront the threats of terrorism and violent extremism, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Delivering his speech at the 4th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) which commenced on Tuesday at Paradise Island Resort, Solih said that such conferences are vital to effectively resolve the common concerns shared within the countries in the region, the heart of which should be ensuring the security and prosperity of the people, he said.

Solih noted three priority areas, ensuring navigational security, addressing the ever-looming threat of terrorism and protecting our marine ecology, noting that these are essential to the security and to the continued well-being of the people.

He also stressed on the importance of navigational security, especially to Maldives as the ocean has been “our lifeblood” since the beginning of time.

Further, he added prominent issues such as climate change, the proper implementation of maritime law as delineated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and combatting illicit trafficking of humans and narcotics as main concerns.

Countries in the region must enhance intra-regional cooperation through participating in and strengthening formal intergovernmental bodies devoted to it, especially those in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in particular, said the President.

Noting that Maldives highly appreciates becoming a party to IORA, Solih expressed his eagerness to contribute effectively, once membership is formal.

While the theme of the 4th edition of the IOC, co-hosted with the India Foundation, revolves around the theme “Securing the Indian Ocean Region: Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges” and is attended by many foreign dignitaries.

Chaired by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the conference will end on 4 September.